The Completedworks AW24 presentation has most likely already hit your social media feeds thanks to the absolutely fabulous surprise guest: Dame Joanna Lumley. For this season, Creative Director Anna Jewsbury commissioned an original monologue by author Fatima Farheen Mirza entitled “Confessions of Lilith”. The piece was performed by Lumley from a metallic bed and involved her sifting through magazines, throwing burnt toast and cutting into one of the brand’s ceramic vases that turned out to be cake.
During the performance we caught a glimpse of the new series of handbag constructed from a specially sourced deadstock leather in keeping with the brand’s commitment to sustainability. The signature bag features origami cut bows and dramatic handles, now in light olive and sand shades, bringing an elegant playfulness.
Lumley was wearing all white and cream including the brand’s pearl earrings that we could just about catch sight of. Subtle hints of jewellery were dotted around with a silver bow necklace lying on a metallic pillow, and pearls seen on the cake vase. The collection is said to “propose smooth elongated silhouettes” with the sculptural elements giving way to a “feminine radicalism”.
Through jewellery, ceramics, and now handbags Completedworks use recycled materials to create sculptural forms that transcend trends to remain permanently relevant. Whilst harnessing the beauty of the everyday, the brand also explores social issues associated with a fashion business and keeps community and sustainability at its core. Worn by poets, artists, activists, and actors such as Emma Watson and Jodie Comer the brand has solidified itself as a movement.
“We liked the idea of a monologue as an alternative to a traditional fashion show, something that weaved in the energy of a live performance” says Jewsbury. This captivating performance was a fresh take on the conventional fashion week shows and left us intrigued to see what they do next.
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Words: Sylvia Shoshan
Photography courtesy of Purple PR